economics of on-farm development - Institute for Social and ...

The technical constraints In the development distribution and
management <strong>of</strong> irrigation systems warrant proper understanding <strong>of</strong> the land use
dynamics at the local level. Given the topographical characteristics, the state
would need irrigation projects with an unique design <strong>of</strong> water distribution,
network and planning to promote systems depending upon the topography as in
the Kallada irrigation project. Though Kallada irrigation scheme appears to be a
technically sound system suitable to the specific terrain it commands, the scheme
could not be successfully implemented for the reasons mentioned already. This
raises an important question as to how the irrigation systems in Kerala could be
reoriented? What should be the development priorities in the changing scenario?
These are the important questions that policy makers should bear in mind while
planning for rehabilitation <strong>of</strong> the completed projects and expediting completion
<strong>of</strong> the ongoing ones.
Some <strong>of</strong> the experiences In the contemporary development scenario
regarding crop diversification need to be reflected upon to draw lessons for
future planning. For example, there are growing apprehensions that cultivation
<strong>of</strong> coconut under assured canal irrigation may not bring the desired results.
Because, the productivity <strong>of</strong> coconut had been almost stagnant since 1992-93
(Table 7.20).
On the other hand, the productivity <strong>of</strong> banana, tapioca and arecanut has
increased substantially. Therefore, to allow the present trend <strong>of</strong> converting paddy
fields into coconut groves is wise enough in the long run. Among the crops, the
productivity <strong>of</strong> coconut has been almost stagnant since 1992-93, compared to
309